Sarah Fabian (MM ’18, Music Education) has been named 2025 Yamaha “40 Under 40”, for her Music Education Excellence. Sarah Fabian currently teaches at Gardner-Webb University. Yamaha launched the “40 Under 40” music education advocacy program in 2021 to celebrate and recognize outstanding young music educators who are making a difference by growing and strengthening their music programs. Now, we celebrate our fifth group of remarkable educators whose classrooms are safe spaces where musicality, creativity and innovation thrive. These 40 educators — all under the age of 40 — showcase the following characteristics: action (anticipate what needs to be done and proactively take the necessary steps that lead to a stronger music program), courage (propose and implement new or bold ideas), creativity (show innovation and imagination in achieving plans and objectives) and growth (establish, grow or improve music education in their schools and communities).
Sarah Fabian was also awarded the Rising Star Award by Gardner-Webb University for demonstrating excellence in scholarship, teaching, and service.